Tire with offset beveled knobs

ABSTRACT

A tire includes knob sets having leading edge bevels connected by a ramp. The leading edge bevels may be offset in their positions or angles. Each knob set includes a first knob attached to a second knob. The knobs in each set may differ in lengths or in the angles of the leading edge bevels. Each knob set shares a common base and includes a pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by an optional axial channel. Each knob set includes a lateral edge, medial edge and a trailing edge. Transverse rows of two or more knob sets may vary in lateral spacing between knob sets to provide narrow and wide rows in an alternating pattern. Knob sets may also be included on sidewalls of the tire.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/202,149, filed Jul. 5, 2016, the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to tires for bicycles and vehicles.

2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

A need exists for tire treads to strike a better balance betweenproviding grip and enabling ease of riding with less resistance.Conventional treads that provide greater grip tend to decrease the easeof riding while traditional treads that enable very easy riding providelittle to no grip.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, structures and associatedmethods are disclosed which address these needs and overcome thedeficiencies of the prior art.

In one aspect, a tire comprises a first knob and a second knob attachedto the first knob. The first knob comprises a first leading edge bevel,a first outermost surface and a first length. The second knob comprisesa second leading edge bevel, a second outermost surface and a secondlength. A ramp connects the first beveled leading edge and the secondbeveled leading edge. The ramp may comprise a curved sidewall or a flatwall.

The second leading edge bevel may be disposed in front of the firstleading edge bevel. The first shorter knob may be positioned eitherlateral to the second longer knob, or medial to the second knob.

The tire may further comprise an optional axial channel disposed inbetween the first outermost surface and the second outermost surface.The tire may further comprise a base integral with both the first knoband the second knob.

The first knob and the second knob may be disposed in a central zone ofan outer surface of the tire. The tire may further comprise a third knoband a fourth knob attached to each other and positioned in an outerzone.

In a further aspect, a tire comprises an outer surface having a centralzone, a first sidewall defining a first outer zone, and a secondsidewall defining a second outer zone. A first knob set is disposed inthe central zone. The first knob set comprises a first forward leadingedge bevel, a first recessed leading edge bevel and a first rampconnecting the first forward leading edge bevel and the first recessedleading edge bevel. A second knob set is disposed in the central zoneand disposed transversely to the first knob set. The second knob setcomprises a second forward leading edge bevel, a second recessed leadingedge bevel and a second ramp connecting the second forward leading edgebevel and the second recessed leading edge bevel

The first forward leading edge bevel and the first recessed leading edgebevel may be attached to a first common base. The second forward leadingedge bevel and the second recessed leading edge bevel may be attached toa second common base.

The first knob set may comprise a first pair of elongate outermostsurfaces divided by a first axial channel. The second knob set maycomprise a second pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by asecond axial channel.

The tire may further comprise a third knob set disposed in the firstouter zone. The third knob set may comprise a third forward leading edgebevel, a third recessed leading edge bevel and a third ramp connectingthe third forward leading edge bevel and the third recessed leading edgebevel. A fourth knob set is disposed in the second outer zone. Thefourth knob set may comprise a fourth forward leading edge bevel, afourth recessed leading edge bevel and a fourth ramp connecting thefourth forward leading edge bevel and the fourth recessed leading edgebevel.

In a further aspect, a tire comprises a first knob, a second knobattached to the first knob, a ramp comprising a sidewall connecting thefirst beveled leading edge and the second beveled leading edge, and abase integral with both the first knob and the second knob. The firstknob comprises a first leading edge bevel, a first outermost surface anda first length. The second knob comprises a second leading edge bevel, asecond outermost surface and a second length. The second length isgreater than the first length and the second leading edge bevel isdisposed in front of the first leading edge bevel. An axial channel isdisposed in between the first outermost surface and the second outermostsurface.

The first knob may be positioned lateral or medial to the second knob.

The first knob and the second knob are disposed in a central zone of anouter surface of the tire. The tire may further comprise a third knoband a fourth knob attached to each other and positioned in an outerzone.

In summary, a tire includes knob sets having leading edge bevelsconnected by a ramp. The leading edge bevels may be offset in theirpositions or angles. Each knob set includes a first knob attached to asecond knob. The knobs in each set may differ in lengths or in theangles of the leading edge bevels. Each knob set shares a common baseand includes a pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by anoptional axial channel. Each knob set includes a lateral edge, medialedge and a trailing edge. Transverse rows of two or more knob sets mayvary in lateral spacing between knob sets to provide narrow and widerows in an alternating pattern. Knob sets may also be included onsidewalls of the tire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a section of a first preferred embodimentof a tire with beveled knob sets;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a section of the first preferredembodiment of the tire;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a section of a second preferred embodimentof a tire with beveled knob sets;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a section of a third preferredembodiment of a tire with beveled knob sets;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a section of a fourth preferredembodiment of a tire;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a section of a fifth preferred embodimentof a tire;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a section of a sixth preferredembodiment of a tire; and

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a section of a seventh preferredembodiment of a tire.

The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understoodby turning to the following detailed description wherein illustratedembodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that theillustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way oflimitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first preferred embodiment of a tire apparatus, or simply tire, isillustrated in FIG. 1 and designated generally by the reference numeral10. The tire may be configured for use with bicycles, scooters,motorcycles, automobiles, trucks, tractors and any other ground vehicleor toy requiring tires. Throughout the specification, “front” or “ahead”refers to a location or direction of a portion of the tire 10 which,when rolling forward, would come into contact with the ground relativelysooner than an adjacent portion of the tire 10.

In FIG. 1, the tire 10 comprises a circumferential outer portion 12. Theouter portion 12 comprises a central zone 14 and a pair of outer zones15 where sidewalls 16 extend radially inward from the central zone 14.The outer tire portion 12 defines a tire circumference. The tire 10 alsodefines a tire width 18 between the sidewalls 16 as shown in FIG. 1.

The outer tire portion 12 comprises knobs 20 extending radially outward.The knobs 20 are preferably formed in attached pairs 22, or simply knobsets 22. In the preferred embodiment, each knob set 22 comprises ashorter knob 20-1 and a longer knob 20-2 attached side-by-side such thateach knob 20-1, 20-2 extends axially and generally parallel to theother.

The longer knob 20-2 defines a second length 24-2 greater than a firstlength 24-1 of the shorter knob 20-1. A first width 26-1 of the shorterknob 20-1 may be greater, lesser or generally the same as a second width26-2 of the longer knob 20-2. In the illustrated embodiment, the widths26-1, 26-2 of the knobs 20-1, 20-2, respectively, in each pair 22 aresubstantially the same.

The shorter knob 20-1 comprises a first leading edge 30-7, a firstleading edge bevel 30-1, a first outermost surface 32-1, a firsttrailing wall 34-1 and a first trailing edge 34-3. The longer knob 20-2comprises a second leading edge 30-8, a second leading edge bevel 30-2,a second outermost surface 32-2, a second trailing wall 34-2 and asecond trailing edge 34-4. The second leading edge bevel 30-2 ispositioned ahead, or in front, of the first leading edge bevel 30-1 suchthat the longer leading edge bevel 30-2 would engage the ground surfaceprior to the shorter leading edge bevel 30-1. The second outermostsurface 32-2 of the longer knob 20-2 has a greater length than that ofthe first outermost surface 32-1. In the preferred embodiment, the firstoutermost surface 32-1 and the second outermost surface 32-2 arepreferably elongate in the axial direction. In the preferred embodiment,a single transverse trailing wall 34 is provided for the knob set 22with a bottom edge 34-5 linearly disposed at the bottom of the singletransverse trailing wall 34 of the knob set 22. Therefore, the knobs20-1, 20-2 in each pair 22 can terminate at the same or differentlocations.

A step, or ramp, 38 connects and transitions the first leading edgebevel 30-1 to the second leading edge bevel 30-2. In the preferredembodiment, the ramp 38 comprises surface that begins from a mediallinear edge 41 of the longer leading edge bevel 30-2 and curvescontinuously and rearwardly into the first leading edge bevel 30-1. Theramp 38 may comprise a curved, concave surface or a variety of othersurfaces and contours so as to connect the leading edge bevels.

It will be appreciated that each knob set 22 shares a common base 45that is integral to both the shorter knob 20-1 and longer knob 20-2. Thebase 45 comprises that portion of the knob set 22 that attaches to theouter surface 12 of the tire 10. Employing a single integral base 45 foreach knob set 22 results in a larger footprint with a strongerfoundation than those of conventional detached knobs where eachconventional knob would have its own separate and smaller base.

Each knob set 22 includes a radially inward channel, or indentation, 43formed in between the shorter knob 20-1 and the longer knob 20-2 so asto divide said outermost surfaces 32-1, 32-2, splitting what wouldotherwise be a single outermost surface into a pair of outermostsurfaces 32-1, 32-2. The length of the axially elongate channel 43 maybe longer or shorter than the lengths of the outermost surfaces 32-1,32-2.

Therefore, each knob set 22 comprises a pair of juxtaposed elongateknobs 20-1, 20-2 with offset leading edge bevels 30-1, 30-2, connectedby a ramp 38, a pair of outermost surfaces 32-1, 32-2 which may or maynot be parallel, and a common base 45.

While the preferred knob set 22 in the first preferred embodiment of atire 10 has been heretofore described as a pair of attached knobs 20,one shorter 20-1 and the other longer 20-2, the preferred knob set 22may be alternatively described as a single knob structure 22 havingoffset leading edge bevels, namely a first forward leading edge bevel30-2 and a first recessed leading edge bevel 30-1 connected by a ramp38. The single knob structure 22 comprises a pair of outermost surfaces32-1, 32-2 divided by an axial channel 43. The knob structure furthercomprises a medial sidewall 47, a lateral sidewall 49 and a trailingwall 34.

In contrast to a conventional knob which would consist of only a singleleading edge bevel and a single outermost surface, the preferred knobstructure 22 according to the first preferred embodiment comprises apair of offset leading edge bevels 30-1, 30-2 connected by a ramp 38,thereby providing a total of three leading edge surfaces 30-1, 30-2, 38for each knob structure 22. Furthermore, the preferred knob structure 22comprises a pair of outermost surfaces 32-1, 32-2 created by indenteddivider 43. These above features facilitate an improved grip withoutcausing excess resistance.

In the preferred embodiment, the tire 10 comprises transverse rows 52 ofknob sets 22 where each row 52 preferably comprises at least two knobsets 22. It will be appreciated that the knob sets 22 in each row 43 aresymmetrical such that the lateral knob in each set 22 comprises thelonger knob 20-2 while the medial knob in each set 22 comprises theshorter knob 20-1. Accordingly, the medial knobs 20-1 in each row 43 aretransversely adjacent to each other. Thus, in the first preferredembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two lateral-most knobs throughoutthe tire 10 preferably comprise the longer knobs 20-2 while the medialknobs comprise the shorter knobs 20-1.

To vary the tread, the knob set rows 52 may vary in the lateral spacingbetween the knob sets 22. For example, in the first preferredembodiment, a wide row 52W comprises two knob sets 22 that are laterallyspaced apart from each a greater distance than the two knob sets 22 inan adjacent narrow row 52N. The tire 10 may thus comprise an alternatingpattern of wide knob set rows 52W and narrow knob set rows 52N formedalong the axis A, or length, of the tire 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the tire 10 may comprise at least one axialarray, or column, of knob sets 22. The illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1comprises two axial arrays, namely a right axial array 54R of knob sets22 and a left axial array 54L of knob sets 22. In the first preferredembodiment, each array 54R, 54L comprises knob sets 22 where eachlateral knob comprises the longer knob 20-2. In the first preferredembodiment, the knob sets 22 in each array 54R, 54L are not axiallyaligned, but preferably formed in alternating pattern of a morelaterally positioned knob set 22 followed by a more medially positionedknob set 22. In the first preferred embodiment, the axial arrays 54R,54L of knob sets 22 are located in the central zone 14 of the tire 10,namely, that portion of the tire 10 which would engage the ground whenriding straight.

Although two arrays 54R, 54L of knob sets 22 are illustrated in thefirst preferred embodiment, it is to be expressly understood that moreor less axial arrays may be formed (e.g., three or more arrays for widertires).

FIG. 3 shows a second preferred embodiment of a tire 10 b where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “b.” In the second preferred embodiment, thelateral knob in each knob set 22 b comprises the shorter knob 20-1 bwhile the medial knob in each knob set 22 b comprises the longer knob20-2 b. Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the rows 52 b in thesecond preferred embodiment may be configured in alternating patterns ofa closely spaced pair of knob sets 22 b followed by farther spaced pairof knob sets 22 b.

FIG. 4 shows a third preferred embodiment of a tire 10 c where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “c.” The tire 10 c may comprise an additionalouter array 58 of knob sets 22 c on each sidewall 16 c. Therefore, thetire 10 c would comprise a total of two additional outer arrays 54 c ofknob sets 22 c, namely, one array located in each outer zone 15 c inaddition to arrays 54 c located in the central zone 14 c.

In FIG. 4, the lower knob 20-2 c of each set 22 c comprises the longerknob 20-2 c while the upper knob of each set 22 c comprises the shorterknob 20-1 c.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of a tire 10 d where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “d.” Similar to the third preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the tire 10 d comprises an additional outerarray 58 d of knob sets 22 d on each sidewall 16 d in the outer zone 15d in addition to arrays 54 d located in the central zone 14 d. However,in FIG. 5, the lower knob 20-1 d of each set 22 d comprises the shorterknob 20-1 d while the upper knob of each set 22 d comprises the longerknob 20-2 d.

FIG. 6 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of a tire 10 e where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “e.” In this preferred embodiment, each knobset 22 e comprises a single top surface 32 e without an axial channel.Each knob set 22 e comprises a first leading edge bevel 30-1 e, a secondleading edge bevel 30-2 e in front of the first leading edge bevel 30-1e, and a connecting ramp 38 e. Each knob set 22 e may also comprise atrailing wall 34 e.

While the more forward leading edge bevels 30-2 e are shown in thelateral positions in this illustrated embodiment, it is to be expresslyunderstood that the beveled leading edges may be reversed such that theforward leading edge bevels 30-2 e are placed in the medial positionswhile the recessed leading edge bevels 30-1 e are placed in the lateralpositions.

FIG. 7 shows a sixth preferred embodiment of a tire 10 f where elementsof similar structure are designated by the same reference numeralsfollowed by the lower case “f” In this preferred embodiment, each knobset 22 f comprises an attached pair of knobs 20-1 f, 20-2 f that startfrom a common leading edge 70. Instead of employing pairs of offsetknobs, each knob set 22 f comprises a first knob 20-1 f having a firstleading edge bevel 30-1 f that is angled differently than that of asecond leading edge bevel 30-2 f. The angles, or slopes, of the leadingedge bevels 30-1 f, 30-2 f are in reference to the untreaded section 72of the central zone 56 f of the tire 10 f.

Each knob set 22 f comprises a pair of outermost surfaces 32-1 f, 32-2 fdivided by an optional elongate channel 43 f. Without the optionalchannel 43 f, each knob set 22 f would alternatively have a singleoutermost surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the steeper knob 20-2f is positioned on the lateral side of each knob set 22 f and comprisesa longer outermost surface 32-2 f than the outermost surface 32-1 f ofthe lesser angled knob 20-1 f located in the medial position of eachknob set 22 f.

FIG. 8 shows a seventh preferred embodiment of a tire 10 g whereelements of similar structure are designated by the same referencenumerals followed by the lower case “g.” In this preferred embodiment,each knob set 22 g comprises a shorter knob 20-1 g and a longer knob20-2 g connected by a flat, or planar, ramp 38 g.

The shorter knob 20-1 g comprises a first leading edge bevel 30-1 g. Thelonger knob 20-2 g comprises a second leading edge bevel 30-2 gpositioned ahead, or in front, of the first leading edge bevel 30-1 gsuch that the longer leading edge bevel 30-2 g would engage the groundsurface prior to the shorter leading edge bevel 30-1 g. The flat ramp 38g connects and transitions the first leading edge bevel 30-1 g to thesecond leading edge bevel 30-2 g. Each knob set 22 g may comprise anoptional elongate channel 43 g formed on the outermost surface.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustratedembodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples andthat they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined bythe following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that theelements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, itmust be expressly understood that the invention includes othercombinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and itsvarious embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of theircommonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in thisspecification the generic structure, material or acts of which theyrepresent a single species.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are,therefore, defined in this specification to not only include thecombination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense itis therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or moreelements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below orthat a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in aclaim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expresslyunderstood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can insome cases be excised from the combination and that the claimedcombination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by aperson with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, areexpressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of theclaims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one withordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of thedefined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specificallyillustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, whatcan be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essentialidea of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tire, comprising: a plurality of knobs, whereineach knob present on the tire is one of the plurality of knobs, each ofthe plurality of knobs defined by a first knob or a second knob; thefirst knob comprising a first leading edge, a first leading edge bevel,a first outermost surface, a first trailing edge, a first length and afirst trailing wall extending from the first trailing edge to a firstbottom trailing edge of the first knob; the second knob attached to thefirst knob, the second knob comprising a second leading edge, a secondleading edge bevel, a second outermost surface, a second trailing edge,a second length and a second trailing wall extending from the secondtrailing edge to a second bottom trailing edge of the second knob; and aramp connecting the first leading edge bevel and the second leading edgebevel, wherein the first trailing wall and the second trailing wall areparallel to each other and the first bottom trailing edge and the secondbottom trailing edge together form a linear line across a width-wisedirection of the tire; and wherein the second leading edge is disposedahead of the first leading edge such that, during use of the tire, anentirety of the second leading edge contacts a ground surface prior tothe first leading edge.
 2. The tire of claim 1, wherein the first knobis positioned lateral to the second knob.
 3. The tire of claim 1,wherein the first knob is positioned medial to the second knob.
 4. Thetire of claim 1, wherein the ramp comprises a curved sidewall.
 5. Thetire of claim 1, further comprising an axial channel disposed in betweenthe first outermost surface and the second outermost surface.
 6. Thetire of claim 1, further comprising a base integral with both the firstknob and the second knob.
 7. The tire of claim 1, wherein one first knoband one second knob are disposed in a central zone of an outer surfaceof the tire, the tire further comprising: another first knob and anothersecond knob being attached to each other and positioned in an outerzone.
 8. A tire, comprising: an outer surface having a central zone, afirst sidewall defining a first outer zone, and a second sidewalldefining a second outer zone; a plurality of knobs, wherein each knobpresent on the tire is one of the plurality of knobs, each of theplurality of knobs defined by a first knob, a second knob, a third knobor a fourth knob; a first knob set disposed in the central zone, thefirst knob set comprising the first knob and the second knob, the firstknob having a first forward leading edge and a first forward leadingedge bevel, the second knob having a first recessed leading edge and afirst recessed leading edge bevel, wherein a first ramp connects thefirst forward leading edge bevel and the first recessed leading edgebevel; and a second knob set disposed in the central zone and disposedtransversely to the first knob set, the second knob set comprising thethird knob having a second forward leading edge and a second forwardleading edge bevel, the fourth knob having a second recessed leadingedge and a second recessed leading edge bevel, wherein a second rampconnects the second forward leading edge bevel and the second recessedleading edge bevel, wherein a first trailing wall of the first knob anda second trailing wall of the second knob are parallel to each other anda first bottom trailing edge of the first knob and a second bottomtrailing edge of the second knob together form a linear line across awidth-wise direction of the tire; the first forward leading edge isdisposed ahead of the first recessed leading edge such that, during useof the tire, an entirety of the first forward leading edge contacts aground surface prior to the first recessed leading edge; and the secondforward leading edge is disposed ahead of the second recessed leadingedge such that, during use of the tire, an entirety of the secondforward leading edge contacts a ground surface prior to the secondrecessed leading edge.
 9. The tire of claim 8, wherein: the firstforward leading edge bevel and the first recessed leading edge bevel areattached to a first common base; and the second forward leading edgebevel and the second recessed leading edge bevel are attached to asecond common base.
 10. The tire of claim 8, wherein: the first knob setcomprises a first pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by a firstaxial channel; and the second knob set comprises a second pair ofelongate outermost surfaces divided by a second axial channel.
 11. Thetire of claim 8, wherein: the tire includes a plurality of width-wiserows positioned about an outer circumference of the tire, wherein eachof the plurality of width-wise rows includes the first knob set and thesecond knob set; each of the plurality of width-wise rows include aspacing between the first knob set and the second knob set; and thespacing between the first knob set and the second knob set in a firstone of the plurality of width-wise rows is different from the spacingbetween the first knob set and the second knob set in another one of theplurality of width-wise rows.
 12. The tire of claim 8, wherein the firstknob set and the second knob set each have a trailing edge, the trailingedge extending linearly across a width-wise direction of the tire. 13.The tire of claim 12, wherein the trailing edge of both the first knobset and the second knob set lie in a common plane.
 14. A tire,comprising: a plurality of knobs, wherein each knob present on the tireis one of the plurality of knobs, each of the plurality of knobs definedby a first knob or a second knob; the first knob comprising a firstleading edge, a first leading edge bevel, a first outermost surface, afirst trailing edge, a first length and a first trailing wall extendingfrom the first trailing edge to a first bottom trailing edge of thefirst knob; the second knob attached to the first knob, the second knobcomprising a second leading edge, a second leading edge bevel, a secondoutermost surface, a second trailing edge, a second length and a secondtrailing wall extending from the second trailing edge to a second bottomtrailing edge of the second knob; a ramp comprising a sidewallconnecting the first leading edge bevel and the second leading edgebevel; and a base integral with both the first knob and the second knob,wherein the second leading edge bevel, at the second outermost surface,is disposed ahead of the first leading edge bevel, at the firstoutermost surface, such that, when the tire is in use, the secondleading edge bevel contacts a ground surface before the first leadingedge bevel; an axial channel is disposed in between the first outermostsurface and the second outermost surface; the first bottom trailing edgeand the second bottom trailing edge together are aligned linearly alonga width-wise direction of the tire; and the second leading edge isdisposed ahead of the first leading edge such that, during use of thetire, an entirety of the second leading edge contacts a ground surfaceprior to the first leading edge.
 15. The tire of claim 14, wherein onefirst knob and one second knob are disposed in a central zone of anouter surface of the tire, the tire further comprising: another firstknob and another second knob being attached to each other and positionedin an outer zone.
 16. The tire of claim 14, wherein the first trailingedge and the second trailing edge are generally parallel to each otherand to a width-wise direction across the tire.
 17. The tire of claim 14,wherein the tire further comprises: another first knob comprisinganother first leading edge bevel, another first outermost surface,another first trailing edge and another first length; another secondknob attached to the another first knob, the another second knobcomprising another second leading edge bevel, another second outermostsurface, another second trailing edge and another second length; a rampcomprising a sidewall connecting the another first leading edge beveland the another second leading edge bevel; and a base integral with bothone first knob and one second knob, wherein the one first knob and theone second knob form a first knob set and the another first knob and theanother second knob form a second knob set, the first knob setpositioned alongside, in a width-wise direction, the second knob set,with a spacing therebetween.
 18. The tire of claim 17, wherein the firstknob set and the second knob set each have a trailing edge, the trailingedge extending linearly across a width-wise direction of the tire.